Roads & Construction
Traffic Management: Sanwo-Olu Commissions Seven Roads In Oniru-Victoria Island Axis (Photos)
It is a huge traffic relief for residents and road users around Iru and Victoria Island axes of Lagos State. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, commissioned Victoria Island-Lekki Traffic Circulation Project in which seven gridlock-prone roads were completely re-designed and re-constructed with concrete slabs.
The improved roads are within the commercial areas of Iru and Victoria Island. The Victoria Island-Lekki Traffic Circulation Project was delivered through the Public Infrastructure Improvement Partnership (PIIP) framework, under which the State Government collaborated with Access Bank Plc and Planet Projects Limited to bring the project to reality.
Last December, Sanwo-Olu flagged off the construction of the roads, which were notorious for heavy traffic congestion that affected the growth of businesses and reduced productivity.
Sanwo-Olu added that the project had also reduced travel time for commuters, eliminated perennial flooding hitherto experienced in the area, and boosted intermodal transportation.
He said: “One of the critical challenges experienced by residents and road users along this axis was the heavy traffic congestion occasioned by the geometric increase in traffic volume, which led to a significant reduction in productivity and growth business activities in this highly commercial location. As Government, we resolved to work in partnership with public-spirited corporate organisations to embark on the road improvement project. This project was executed through the Public Infrastructure Improvement Partnership (PIIP) arrangement.
“Today, I have the pleasure to hand over these improved roads to users and residents. This project has led to an improvement in road connectivity and traffic flow. We have also reduced travel time, eliminated perennial flooding issues, enhanced intermodal transportation. Most importantly, we have improved the health and socio-economic well being of the people through the Victoria Island–Lekki Circulation Project in Oniru Axis.”
He said: “It is on this note that I appreciate Access Bank Plc for its collaborative efforts in the area of public infrastructure improvement. With this partnership, the State Government and Access Bank have reinforced the importance of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) at delivering public infrastructure.
“While we hope to continue to harness the benefits this collaboration, I am inviting the Organised Private Sector to partner with Government for maintenance and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure so that the Government can concentrate more on the provision of new road Infrastructure. We will reciprocate this kind gesture in commensurate measure.”
Sanwo-Olu urged residents and road users to take ownership of the rehabilitated roads, advising them to guard the infrastructure jealously.
“Government and Access Bank have done their bit. The project remains a public property owned by all residents. Therefore, protecting the roads will further encourage the sponsors, other corporate organisations and Government to do more,” the Governor said.
